Ask Fish and Game: Two Pole Permit for Ice Fishing

Q. If I can have five poles for ice fishing, does a two-pole permit mean I can have 10? A. No. While an angler can fish with up to five poles or lines at a time, and up to five hooks per line, a two-pole validation does not allow more than five lines while ice fishing. All lines must be attended by the angler. Ice fishing rules are slightly different than general fishing for public safety and general crowding. Fishing is allowed only through a hole up to 10 inches in diameter. This reduces the risk of someone falling through holes. The only exception is on Bear Lake in Southeast Idaho where anglers can dip-net cisco through any size hole. Anglers should check the 2013-2015 Fishing Seasons and Rules book for regional restrictions: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/rules/seasonsRules.pdf.